Look for changes in traffic patterns around the Erb Memorial Union as construction accelerates going into the late spring and summer.
Work is continuing on several fronts as crews prepare to demolish the 1972 addition to the building and begin construction of a modern new wing. Changes to pedestrian routes and building access will be coming as work picks up.
By mid May, the outdoor breezeway under the addition will close for good. Pedestrian access will continue through an interior passageway and will shift to the hearth area of the new building following completion in 2016.
The project’s footprint will expand substantially about the same time. Construction fencing is relatively limited now but soon will grow to include most of the south lawn and all of the 1972 addition as contractors begin staging equipment and prepare for the installation of a tower crane this summer.
Almost all student activity space already has been moved, some to other parts of the building and others to EMU South, in the temporarily renamed Mac Court.
One of the last occupants of the 1972 wing, the EMU Craft Center, will be the first to move into new space. Renovations of the new ground floor location in the south wing of the original building are well under way, with substantial completion set for June.
After the Craft Center moves to the new location, demolition of the 1972 wing will begin. The Craft Center is expected to operate on a limited basis during summer term and be ready with a full program for fall term, Geiger said.
A public event marking the beginning of the demolition process is planned for next week, with details expected to be announced soon.
In other areas, work is continuing on a new extension of the subterranean utility tunnel that will allow data and telecom lines to be rerouted into the original building, another necessary step before demolition begins on the addition. This work is taking place on the 13th Avenue side of the EMU.
Geiger said care has been taken to ensure that all of the EMU operations continue throughout the construction period. The building will remain open for business, including food service and some meeting space, as work continues.
Information on the EMU renovation is available here.
- by Greg Bolt, Office of Public Affairs Communications